At the unveiling of “Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives On Online Publishing, in Abuja Tuesday, Nigeria’s top media minds and public officials, led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris agreed on the need to tame fake news publication.
President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, who reviewed the book, commended GOCOP for taking a bold step to document and promote professionalism in Nigeria’s evolving digital media landscape.
“This book is a celebration of resilience, vision, and ethics,” he said, describing it as a credible account of the journey, struggles, and standards upheld by Nigeria’s online media pioneers.
He underscored the growing threat of fake news and disinformation, calling them “weapons” that could ignite violence and destabilize society. He challenged GOCOP not just to regulate itself internally but to publicly identify and call out purveyors of fake news.
“It is not enough to say they are not our members. We must clearly separate ourselves from those who use the online space to mislead and manipulate,” Neliaku advised even as he highlighted the deeper role of journalism in national development, saying, “Online publishers are not just content creators—they are custodians of perception, guardians of public trust, and partners in nation-building.”
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Idris echoed this sentiment, applauding GOCOP’s effort to professionalize the digital publishing sector and reiterating the government’s support for a free yet responsible press.
“You are the gatekeepers of public discourse. You shape perceptions, expose wrongs, and promote truth,” the Minister said.
He emphasized that democracy is more than the right to vote—it must deliver tangible improvements in the lives of citizens, a goal that cannot be achieved without responsible media.
The Minister described the GOCOP book launch as a timely intervention, calling it “a conscious effort to reset the tone and values of journalism in the digital era.”
He urged media practitioners to uphold truth, fairness, and accountability, warning that unverified reports have the power to ignite crises within minutes.
The event, which also marked a major fundraising drive for the proposed GOCOP Media Centre valued at N2.3 billion, was attended by media veterans, academics, public relations professionals, and sundry stakeholders.
As GOCOP charts its next chapter, the message from both Neliaku and Idris was clear: the future of journalism in Nigeria must be anchored on professionalism, truth, and a deep commitment to national growth.
Crediblenewsng.com
